The networks that put on these shows seem to understand that they are in dicey ethical territory. "I would be embarrassed to admit how many hours went into the discussion of chaperones and safety," said Sarah Tomassi Lindman, vice president of programming and production for the N, which is broadcasting the youth-dating and "Survivor"-type shows. Oddly, the public relations representative for Fox's "Trading Spouses" would not allow the children featured on the show to be interviewed by a newspaper reporter, even though his network is putting the same children on national television. "We're sensitive when it comes to the kids," he explained in an e-mail message.